The HIBIK initiative (Hybrid Intelligence in Vocational Education and Training), a project funded by Movetia, has been launched in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Gerholz (University of Bamberg). The goal is to investigate the impact of AI agent systems on business skills and to develop innovative learning environments for vocational education and training. 

A central component of the project is the SIMKO AI agent system, which pursues two complementary objectives:

1) Practice in real-life communication scenarios

SIMKO enables the simulation of dialogues in business consulting. Trainees can practice typical conversational situations in a realistic setting and receive formative feedback on their communication skills. The system is therefore specifically designed to help prepare for exam situations and professional requirements in customer-facing roles.

2) AI as a subject of study: Reflections on future job profiles

At the same time, the agent system itself becomes a subject of study. Students explore how AI agents work and discuss how job roles and competency requirements in the business sector are changing. Teachers are provided with structured case studies that facilitate an in-depth examination of future job profiles. 

Hence, the project combines skills development with reflection: it fosters both practical skills and an understanding of the role of AI in the workplace. In this way, HIBIK contributes to the further development of commercial vocational training in the context of hybrid intelligence.